A validation of a game-based assessment for the measurement of vocational interest

Game-based assessments (GBAs) are a new type of technologically-based assessment tool which allow for traditional selection concepts to be measured from gameplay behaviors (e.g., completing levels by following game rules). GBAs use game elements to create an immersive environment which changes how assessments are traditionally measured but retains the psychometric properties within the game to assess a variety of knowledge, skills and abilities. In this study we examined the validity of a GBA for use as a measure of RIASEC vocational interests from Holland (1985). Participants played the GBA as well as completed traditional measures of RIASEC interests. We compared the scores from participants for congruence across the different measures using a multitrait-multimethod matrix (MTMM). The results from this study will be used to provide validation evidence for the use of GBA as a method to measure vocational interests and to extend the RIASEC literature to the area of technological assessments.